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Maryland Temporary License Plates

Just purchased a vehicle in Maryland? Your temporary license plate is valid for 30 days. Here is how to stay legal on the road while completing permanent registration at the MVA.

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Just purchased a vehicle in Maryland? Navigating the rules for temporary registration is essential to keep your vehicle legal on the road. Your temporary license plate provides a specific window of time to complete your permanent registration at a Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) office.

If your vehicle needs a Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) inspection, you must factor that into your timeline, as it can directly impact your permanent plate issuance.

How Long Is a Maryland Temporary Plate Valid?

Maryland dealer-issued temporary plates are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. If your vehicle is subject to VEIP emissions testing, you must pass the test before the MVA can issue your permanent plates. Plan both steps — VEIP and registration — within the 30-day window.

SituationValidityWhat to Do
Dealer purchase30 daysComplete VEIP (if required) and register at MVA before day 30
Private-party purchaseNone issuedRegister at MVA before driving
New MD residentOut-of-state reg. validRegister within 60 days of establishing residency

On the 31st day following a dealer purchase, your temporary permit is officially expired. Because Maryland does not typically issue automatic extensions on temporary tags, prioritizing your trip to the MVA or completing the steps online is critical.

Authorized Issuers of Maryland Temporary Plates

Not every vehicle sale automatically comes with a temporary tag. In Maryland, only specific entities are legally authorized to generate and hand over temporary registration permits.

Licensed Maryland Dealers

All licensed Maryland motor vehicle dealers issue one temporary plate per sale at no charge. Dealers are legally prohibited from billing a separate fee for the temporary permit; the cost of the 30-day tag is entirely free of charge at the point of purchase.

The Maryland MVA

The MVA issues temporary plates for private-party purchases and non-dealer situations, either in person at an MVA branch or through authorized tag and title service agents.

Buying From a Private Seller in Maryland

In the Old Line State, license plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Sellers will remove their plates immediately upon sale. You must register the vehicle at an MVA office before it can legally be driven on public roads.

Pro-Tip: If the vehicle is subject to VEIP rules and does not have a current inspection on file, you must complete the test before the MVA can issue your permanent plates. The VEIP test is free of charge at state-operated testing stations.

MVA Document Checklist for Private Sales

Bring the following paperwork to your local MVA branch to complete your title transfer and secure your permanent license plates:

  • Original Signed Title: Must be signed and assigned by the seller with all liens fully released.
  • Official Bill of Sale: Must clearly state the purchase price, sale date, and current odometer reading.
  • Identification: A valid Maryland driver’s license or state ID.
  • Proof of Insurance: Current proof of Maryland liability insurance coverage.
  • VEIP Results: Your emissions pass certificate, if required (this is usually transmitted to the MVA automatically).
  • Payment: Funds to cover title transfer fees, registration fees, and any applicable excise taxes.

Legal Display Requirements

To avoid costly traffic citations while driving on a temporary permit, you must strictly follow these placement rules. Law enforcement officers in Maryland actively look for improperly displayed temporary tags.

How to Properly Mount Your Temporary Plate

  • Mount Legally: Affix the tag securely in the rear license plate bracket (the same position used for permanent plates).
  • Maintain Visibility: Ensure all printed text, especially the expiration date, remains completely visible and legible.
  • Secure It: Fasten the plate tight so it does not flutter, flap, or risk detaching at highway speeds.

Strictly Prohibited

DO NOT tape or display the temporary plate inside the rear window. Dark window tints or defroster lines block an officer’s view of the permit.

DO NOT cover, alter, fold, or obscure any part of the permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Maryland temporary plate valid?
It is valid for exactly 30 days from the issue date, with no automatic extensions. Plan both your VEIP test (if required) and registration within this 30-day window.
Does my vehicle need a VEIP test before I get permanent Maryland plates?
Yes. If the vehicle is subject to VEIP rules and lacks a current inspection on file, you must pass the test before permanent plates are issued. The VEIP test is free of charge at state-operated testing stations.
Can a private seller issue a Maryland temp plate?
No. Private sellers cannot issue temporary tags under any circumstances. Permits are exclusively issued by licensed auto dealers and the Maryland MVA.
Do Maryland plates stay with the vehicle or the owner?
They stay with the owner. Sellers must remove their plates immediately upon sale, and buyers must finalize registration with the MVA before operating the vehicle.
Is there a fee for a Maryland temp plate?
No. Licensed dealers are prohibited from charging a separate fee for the temporary permit. The 30-day tag is included at no additional charge at the point of purchase.